On the Myths of Indicator Species: Issues and Further Consideration in the Use of Static Concepts for Ecological Applications

Michael L Zettler, C. Edward Proffitt, Alexander Darr, Steven Degraer, Lisa Devriese, Clare Greathead, Jonne Kotta, Paolo Magni, Georg Martin, Henning Reiss, Jeroen Speybroeck, Davide Tagliapietra, Gert Van Hoey, Tom Ysebaert

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    The use of static indicator species, in which species are expected to have a similar sensitivity or tolerance to either natural or human-induced stressors, does not account for possible shifts in tolerance along natural environmental
    gradients and between biogeographic regions. Their indicative value may therefore be considered at least questionable. In this paper we demonstrate how species responses (i.e. abundance) to changes in sediment grain size and organic matter (OM) alter along a salinity gradient and conclude with a plea for prudency when interpreting static indicator-based quality indices. Six model species (three polychaetes, one amphipod and two bivalves) from the North Sea, Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea region were selected. Our study demonstrated that there were no generic relationships between environment and biota and half of the studied species showed different responses
    in different seas. Consequently, the following points have to be carefully considered when applying static indicatorbased quality indices: (1) species tolerances and preferences may change along environmental gradients and
    between different biogeographic regions, (2) as environment modifies species autecology, there is a need to adjust indicator species lists along major environmental gradients and (3) there is a risk of including sibling or cryptic
    species in calculating the index value of a species.
    Oorspronkelijke taalEngels
    TijdschriftPloS one
    Volume8
    Exemplaarnummer10
    Pagina's (van-tot)1-15
    Aantal pagina’s15
    ISSN1932-6203
    PublicatiestatusGepubliceerd - 16-okt-2013

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